Trending Now

You are here

Home » TxDOT moves forward with construction plans on US 84 Nolan County bridge

TxDOT moves forward with construction plans on US 84 Nolan County bridge

The Texas Department of Transportation’s Abilene District is moving forward with plans to address damages to the US 84 eastbound overpass at west bound Interstate 20 in Nolan County after a collision in late September.After extensive inspections and consultations with the department’s bridge engineers, the district has determined the best course of action is to replace the bridge. The bridge was already scheduled for replacement in 2017, and moving the project forward will address the recent damages and also provide an improved structure. Preliminary plans call for a one-span bridge with retaining walls to maximize the “clear zone” distance from the I-20 main lanes to the bridge columns. Design of the new structure is under way, and the project is expected to go out for bids this winter with construction to begin soon thereafter. Specific time frames and costs are still being determined.The existing bridge will be demolished and removed to expedite the replacement project and allow both lanes of westbound I-20 to be opened. The outside lane has been closed since the collision.Because the bridge will be replaced, the current detour for US 84 eastbound traffic will require pavement repairs and strengthening due to increased traffic, particularly from trucks. This work is expected to be completed by early November at an estimated cost of $238,000. The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, rail and public transportation across the state. TxDOT and its 11,000 employees are committed to working with others to provide safe and reliable transportation solutions for Texas by maintaining a safe system, addressing congestion, connecting Texas communities and being a Best in Class state agency.